Jason Motte

One of the more popular sleeper picks last offseason, Motte failed to return to his form from 2012 when he was one of the best ninth-inning options in the National League. Motte made his return in lat...

Motte didn't pitch in 2013 as he tore an elbow ligament in spring training and underwent Tommy John surgery in May. The 31-year-old was one of the game's top closers in 2012, but will likely go into a setup role with Trevor Rosenthal positioned as the team's closer heading into 2014. Motte will also join Kevin Siegrist and possibly Carlos Martinez in a bullpen that projects to miss a ton of bats. Motte struck out 86 batters in 72 innings during his 2012 campaign and the Cardinals are hoping he can return to his old form as he gets further away from surgery.

2013

It took the Cardinals a long time in 2011 to realize they had a great closer on their roster, and in 2012, Motte rewarded them with another outstanding season, saving 42 games and winning four more. Motte's K/BB ratio continues to skyrocket as well, all the way up to an elite 5.06 last year. The only blip: nine home runs allowed in 72 innings. If Motte can take care of the long ball, he could be the best closer in the National League.

2012

Despite pitching in a dominating fashion all season, Motte didn't get a chance to close for the Cardinals until Fernando Salas blew two save opportunities in August. It helped that Motte was in the midst of going more than 10 weeks (33 appearances) without giving up an earned run. One bad week in September pushed his ERA over 2.00 for the year, but ultimately he was the best pitcher in the St. Louis bullpen and improved all of his numbers - most notably his now-elite K:BB and home-run rates - from his strong 2010 campaign. Now that the closer job is his going into the spring, expect to pay heavily. If the last two years are any indication, he'll be worth it.

2011

Motte was the closer for all of one day in 2009, but he recovered from his Opening Day meltdown to post serviceable numbers as a rookie. In 2010, he took a huge step up, and it's clear he's next in line to close should Ryan Franklin falter, perhaps as early as this season. Motte retired 32 batters in a row at one point last year, and his 54:18 K:BB ratio helped him earn two saves and 12 holds. He missed three weeks with a shoulder injury in August, but after coming back, he didn't give up a run the rest of the season.

2010

The Cardinals' 2009 Opening Day closer imploded in the first game and never got a real chance to close again, though that probably had more to do with the emergence of Ryan Franklin than Motte's skills. Motte struck out nearly a batter per inning, but he ultimately gave up too many baserunners to be counted on in key situations. After getting 14 holds in his first 35 appearances, he had just one in his last 34 appearances. Depending on how things unfold with Franklin in the closer's role, Motte could be limited to a setup spot this season.

2009

Motte was phenomenal in a brief stint with the Cardinals in 2008, striking out 16 and giving up just five hits in 11 innings. He was even better in the minors in 2008 (check out that strikeout rate), and he'll compete with Chris Perez for the closer's role this year. Don't forget his name on draft day.